Assam Revives Waterborne Freight Transport After Decade-Long Pause

Quick Summary

• Event: Motor Vessel V.V. Giri was flagged off on August 2, 2025, marking the operationalisation of India’s National Waterway 57 on the Kopili River in Assam.
• Cargo Details: The vessel carried 300 metric tonnes of cement from central Assam along a 300-km route spanning the Kopili and brahmaputra (National Waterway 2) rivers. The journey took approximately 12-14 hours and replaced transport equivalent to 23 truckloads.
• Route: Departed from Chandrapur (east of Guwahati) to Hatsingimari in South Salmara-mankachar district, western Assam.
• Significance:

– Marks revival of intrastate waterborne freight transport in Assam after over a decade.
– Promotes economical, efficient, and environmentally sustainable inland water transport system.- Advances Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for empowering Northeast India via connectivity initiatives.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The revival of freight movement using inland waterways on the Kopili River underlines important advancements in sustainable transportation infrastructure within Assam. by enabling waterways for cargo transport, the government is addressing multiple challenges such as road congestion while supporting local economies through improved connectivity. This trial run has broader implications for mitigating environmental impact as waterborne transit is typically more fuel-efficient than road-based alternatives.

Operationalising National Waterways like NW57 could play a transformative role by linking rural riverine communities with larger commercial hubs, thus contributing to regional progress goals aligned with national growth priorities. However, sustained investment in infrastructure maintenance and expanding navigability will be crucial to ensure long-term viability and scalability of this initiative.

For further reading: Click here